Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has suggested that he ended Cesar Azpilicueta'a run of consecutive starts in the Premier League to protect the defender from injuries.

Conte opted to drop Azpilicueta from the starting lineup for the game with Swansea City last week, with the Spaniard missing out for the first time in 75 top-flight matches.

However, Conte has stressed the need to rotate every outfield player at some stage of the season, something he has done frequently in both domestic and European competitions.

The 48-year-old told reporters: "I think for every player I try to protect every player. When you play every three days, it's very difficult. Also because it's impossible to keep your form the best.

"If you continue to play, only to play, without training sessions, your form can go up and down. Also the risk for injuries is very high. I'll try to rotate my players, try to make the best decision.

"We are not so big, but I think that I'm doing for my players the chance to show me they deserve to play. When I did this I received a good response of all my players."

Azpilicueta has made 20 starts for Chelsea in all competitions this season.